With a spectacular music and dance performance, the 4th Traditional Strata of the Municipality of Chania kicks off on Tuesday 17 June 2025 at 20:00, embracing the Venetian Harbour with a celebration that includes its own original song.

Every Tuesday throughout the summer, visitors and locals alike will have the chance to enjoy and connect with the rich cultural traditions of Crete. Until the end of September, there will be 16 different traditional strata taking place around the Venetian Harbour and Old Town of Chania.

The opening ceremony will feature Manolis Kontaros and performances by all participating Cultural Associations, in a unique live spectacle that will spread across the Venetian Harbour zone. The Rizitiko song will echo through the air, and the most iconic Cretan dances will be performed with authenticity and energy. Each association will participate with a team of 20 dancers (10 men and 10 women).

This year’s edition will again involve over 1,500 members from 16 local associations of Chania and 2 international associations from the USA and Australia.

Opening Ceremony Programme

🕗 19:40
• Female dancers carrying the association banners gather at the Nautical Museum and walk to Yali Tzami.
• Male dancers gather at Neorio Moro (Sailing Club) and head to the dock in front of the Grand Arsenal, where they board boats to reach the Lighthouse pier.
• A group of Rizitiko singers gathers at the start of Halevon Street (Municipal Art Gallery) and walks toward Yali Tzami.

🕗 20:00
• At Yali Tzami: Rizites perform two traditional songs, and the female dancers present a slow Pentozali.
• At the Lighthouse: the male dancers perform Pentozali (2–3 minutes).
• The dancers then return to Yali Tzami where all participants unite to perform four traditional dances: Syrtos, Pentozali, Maleviziotis, and Sousta.

🕗 20:00 – 22:30
Live music and songs by Manolis Kontaros and his band.
Dance performances by the participating Cretan Cultural Associations.